Middle East Monitor – US President Joe Biden today urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to de-escalate tensions with Gaza “on the path” to a ceasefire, Reuters reported a White House spokeswoman saying.
“The two leaders had a detailed discussion on the state of events in Gaza, Israel’s progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements, and ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional governments and the United States,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.
“The president conveyed to the prime minister that he expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire,” Jean-Pierre added.
It was the fourth call in the past week between the US and Israeli leaders.
Israeli military raids on Gaza have killed 219 person, including 63 children, over the past ten days, according to Palestinian officials . A further 1,500 Palestinians have been injured. Twelve Israelis have also been killed.
